We can’t all be pastry chefs. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t all want to be able to create beautiful and elegant desserts for special occasions. For many of us, the trouble comes in creating something that is beautifully decorated as well as delicious. Here are some great ways you can take your desserts to the next level by using confections purchased at your local chocolate shop.
Use chocolate covered fruit to top a chocolate cake. Most of us can make a delicious chocolate cake. Turning that cake into a feast for the eyes is the problem. Next time you want to make a chocolate cake really special, put a fruit filling, like an orange mousse, between the layers. Frost with chocolate frosting and then decorate the top with chocolate dipped orange peels from your local confectioner. The dipped orange peels can be arranged in a fan shape across the top of the cake, making it look professionally decorated. The intense flavor of the peel will cut some of the sweetness of the cake, giving the dessert the perfect balance.
Make gorgeous sundaes – Everybody loves sundaes! This is a great dessert that works well for a casual evening. But, just because the evening is causal doesn’t mean the dessert can’t be beautiful. Prepare your sundaes ahead of time in pretty glass sundae dishes. Use vanilla ice cream and top with artfully drizzled caramel and chocolate syrup. Then, to take your sundaes to another level, top the sundaes with confections from the chocolate shop. Choose from chocolate covered cordial cherries, crumbled English toffee or chocolate covered gummy bears for the kids. Once the sundaes are prepared, pop them back in the freezer until its time to serve.
Make a Candy Tree – This is a simple idea that looks great for a Christmas party. Choose your favorite treats from the chocolate shop, like chocolate covered cookie crumbles or handmade s’mores candies. Anything that can be placed onto a toothpick will work. If you’re not a fan of chocolate, this idea works well with fruit candies, like orange slices, etc. Place each piece of candy on a toothpick. Then, using a round Styrofoam tree from the craft store, arrange the candy onto the tree. Once the tree is completely covered, you can fill in the tiny spaces left with dots of colored frosting to look like decorations. Once the frosting dries, the dessert is complete. This will make a beautiful centerpiece on your holiday buffet.
Don’t feel compelled to have to create every element of your homemade desserts. Rely on your local chocolate shop to help you make a beautiful impression every time.